Laparoscopic sterilization in dogs is a fairly new method of sterilizing your bitch. This article discusses what it entails and the advantages and disadvantages of this method.
Why get your dog spayed?
There are several reasons for your female dog to let sterilize:
- The dog can no longer reproduce, so no more puppies
- The dog is no more loops and no more false pregnancy
- There is much less chance of uterine tumors and mammary gland tumors
- There is much less risk of diabetes
- The dog’s behavior can be influenced (this can also be a disadvantage of course)
What is a sterilization?
At a sterilization the reproductive organs are removed. These are in the case of the female dog the ovaries. Actually becomes the bitch neutered, but in the mouth it is called sterilized. At the laparoscopic sterilization only the ovaries are removed, the uterus remains. The ovaries produce the sex hormones. When these are removed, the uterus is no longer under the influence of these hormones and will shrivel on its own.
What is laparoscopic sterilization?
At the laparoscopic sterilization, also lapster called three small holes are made in the dog’s abdomen, just like one keyhole surgery, causing a viewer (scoop) and enter two pliers. The dog’s abdomen is inflated with CO², which makes it easier to locate and remove the ovaries. The transition of the oviducts to the ovaries are burned and then the ovaries cut off and removed from the belly. There is a small stitch on each hole. This is not necessary, but more from a cosmetic point of view.
The advantages of laparoscopic sterilization compared to “normal” sterilization:
- The dog’s belly does not need to be opened, so less major surgery
- The dog’s recovery and wounds are much faster
- The chance that the dog will be injured is very small, a collar (or lampshade) or Medical Pet Shirt (bodysuit for dogs) will not be necessary
The disadvantages of the laparoscopic sterilization of the bitch
There is really only one downside to this form of it sterilization and that is that if the dog has an abnormal uterus or ovaries, so if they are enlarged or thickened, or inflamed with fluid in them, then it will still have to be removed, which means that the abdomen must still be opened. Often there are additional costs. Here, the younger the dog, the less hormonal influences she has experienced, so the less chance of deviations from the uterus and the ovaries.
Sterilization in general (so in the “old” or the “new” way) can have some adverse consequences, such as weight gain (which can be prevented by feeding the dog less after the procedure), coat change (in some breeds mainly ), incontinence in old age (which can usually be resolved by medication).
From what age can the dog be sterilized?
In America, females are sterilized very early. In the Netherlands, an age from six months is usually maintained. Many people think it is better that the dog has been in heat once or even had a litter once. This is outdated. The sooner you sterilize, the less chance there are of the above health risks.
The aftercare
With laparoscopic sterilization, aftercare is much less intensive for both dog and owner. The dog recovers very quickly because the procedure is much less invasive than with the old-fashioned method. Because the dog does not have a large stomach wound, no so-called “dog collar” or “lampshade” is required. The chance of the wound opening or tearing, for example by jumping or climbing stairs, is almost non-existent. Of course it is wise to limit this. After 5 days a follow-up will take place and the three stitches may already be removed. Of course, it must be taken into account that the dog has been under anesthesia and that she must then be closely monitored. It is wise to keep her nice and warm, not to drink too much at once, to wait a while before feeding because she may be nauseous, not to walk too far and to keep her calm.
The cost of laparoscopic sterilization of the bitch
The costs of laparoscopic sterilization vary per veterinarian. Often calculations are made in weight classes. You will soon lose 300 euros anyway. Laparoscopic sterilization costs about 50 euros more expensive than “normal” sterilization. There are not many veterinarians in the Netherlands who perform this method of sterilization yet.